The 2026 Heisman Trophy race is already heating up, and one name that’s quickly gaining traction is LSU’s new quarterback, Sam Leavitt. According to updated odds shared by SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic, Leavitt enters the conversation with the sixth-best odds to win the prestigious award, sitting at 13/1. That’s no small feat for a player coming off a season-ending injury - and it speaks volumes about the buzz surrounding his transfer to Baton Rouge.
Leavitt’s 2025 campaign was cut short after just seven games due to a Lisfranc foot injury he suffered on September 20 against Baylor. He underwent surgery in late October, effectively ending his season.
But before the injury, he was putting together a solid body of work. He completed 145 of 239 passes for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
He also added 306 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat skillset that’s become increasingly valuable in the college game.
And let’s not forget what he did the year before.
In 2024, Leavitt started all 13 games and was the engine behind a breakout season for the Sun Devils. He threw for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six picks, while rushing for 443 yards and five more scores. That campaign helped lead Arizona State to a Big 12 title appearance and a spot in the College Football Playoff - a massive leap for the program, and a testament to Leavitt’s impact under center.
Now, he’s stepping into a new chapter at LSU, where expectations are always sky-high. Head coach Lane Kiffin recently gave an update on Leavitt’s recovery, noting that while he won’t be involved in full team activities this spring, he will be able to throw and participate in 7-on-7 drills. That’s a promising sign for Tigers fans hoping to see Leavitt hit the ground running in 2026.
Of course, the Heisman race is loaded with talent this year. Arch Manning leads the pack at 6/1, followed closely by Trinidad Chambliss (13/2), CJ Carr (15/2), and a pair of 10/1 contenders in Dante Moore and Josh Hoover. Julian Sayin is just ahead of Leavitt at 12/1, while names like Jayden Maiava (14/1) and Jeremiah Smith (14/1) are right behind.
Still, Leavitt’s presence in the top tier of the odds board is no fluke. He’s proven he can lead a team to big-time wins, he’s got the arm and athleticism to put up eye-popping numbers, and now he’s in an SEC system that’s tailor-made for quarterbacks to shine. If he can stay healthy and pick up where he left off, don’t be surprised if he’s in New York come December.
Here’s a full look at the updated 2026 Heisman odds:
Top of the Board:
- Arch Manning - 6/1
- Trinidad Chambliss - 13/2
- CJ Carr - 15/2
- Dante Moore - 10/1
- Josh Hoover - 10/1
- Julian Sayin - 12/1
- Sam Leavitt - 13/1
- Jayden Maiava - 14/1
- Jeremiah Smith - 14/1
- Darian Mensah - 15/1
Notable Names in the Mix:
- John Mateer - 16/1
- Gunner Stockton - 18/1
- LaNorris Sellers - 18/1
- Malachi Toney - 22/1
- Brendan Sorsby - 25/1
- Bryce Underwood - 25/1
- Marcel Reed - 25/1
- Byrum Brown - 28/1
- Dylan Raiola - 33/1
- Devon Dampier - 40/1
Longshots to Watch:
- Austin Mack, Demond Williams, Keelon Russell - 50/1
- Aaron Philo - 55/1
- Rocco Becht, Bear Bachmeier, Drew Mestemaker, Kevin Jennings, Kewan Lacy, Lincoln Kienholz, Nico Iamaleava - 66/1
- Christopher Vizzina - 75/1
- Bo Jackson - 80/1
- Several others at 100/1 or longer
We’re still months away from kickoff, but Sam Leavitt is already making noise. If his recovery stays on track and he clicks in Kiffin’s offense, LSU may have a legitimate Heisman contender on its hands.